Lucas Mejia: Miami's New Shoe Designer to Watch — "When I Design a Woman's Shoe I Feel Like a Dali or Picasso at Work"

Born in Barranquilla, Colombia and now based in Miami, shoe designer Lucas Mejia is creating footwear that makes you gasp and say out loud, "I have to have it." Winner of the Outstanding Achievement Award from Miami International University of Art & Design and the Emerging Designer Award from Fashion Group International South Florida in 2010, Mejia is helping diversify Miami's image as a truly essential fashion city. Premier Guide Miami sat down to find out what that means — and what comes next.

Born in Barranquilla, Colombia and now residing in Miami, Florida, Lucas Mejia is designing and creating shoes that make you gasp and say out loud, "I have to have it." Winner of the Outstanding Achievement Award from Miami International University of Art & Design and the Emerging Designer Award from Fashion Group International South Florida in 2010, Mejia is a designer helping to diversify Miami's image as a truly essential fashion city. He also maintains a studio in Key West.

On what inspired him to design women's shoes: "I have always loved drawing — even as a little boy. I especially love drawing shoes. Women's shoes are beautiful and sexy. I feel that a spectacular pair of shoes makes a woman's outfit. A beautiful dress with the wrong shoes is just not beautiful anymore."

On his design process: "First I look around me and try to find inspiration from where I am, what I see — nature, art, music, feelings. Then I begin to play with forms, colors, textures, and shapes. I think about the woman who will wear my shoes and the occasion for wearing the shoe. Then I begin to sketch in my head and then on paper and finally on the computer. I play with colors and materials until I find the right feeling."

On why he chose women's shoes over men's: "Men's shoes are not as exciting as women's shoes and for me it is all about excitement and art. When I design a woman's shoe I feel like an artist being creative. I like to think of myself as a Dali or Picasso at work. I get so excited."

On incorporating his Colombian culture: "I love my native Colombia — the bright colors, the art, the music and folklore. I always think about these. They will always be a part of Mejia design and style."

On his most influential inspiration: "I think I am influenced a lot by Balenciaga because of his glamour and his pioneer spirit. He has a reputation as a couturier. He is often referred to as the master of us all. He always used modern shapes which were feminine in his designs."

On his favorite shoe designers: "Roger Vivier and Manolo Blahnik are my favorites. I would love to work with them. I like Roger Vivier's designs because they are bold and modern. Manolo Blahnik's shoes are very sexy."

On what to look forward to: "I am just getting started and established. I do not turn down any opportunity. In the next year you should see new shoes, handbags, and jewelry from me. My next collection is going to show many dark colors put together in some very different ways."

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